Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery):
Children
can be the victim of ridicule when it comes to
protruding ears, such names as “dumbo” amongst
others can be hurtful. A child would be considered a
candidate for ear pinning surgery around the age of
5, when the ears have reached full size.
Adults often opt for
the procedure in combination with other procedures.
Ear pinning surgery can make a dramatic difference
in the adult as well.
Surgery consists of making an incision in the back
of the ear in the natural fold, removing the
necessary amount of skin and cartilage to allow for
proper shaping of the ear, followed by placing some
anchoring sutures that will pin the cartilage
securing it to the head just behind the ear.
Depending on the type of ear protrusion that exists,
occasionally only permanent sutures without
cartilage removal may be performed.
Immediately after surgery dressings are placed for a
few days, then headbands for two weeks in the
afternoons to continue light pressure during the
healing process. The ears will be sore for a week
especially if sleeping is attempted on the side. The
thin scar is very well hidden in the crease behind
the ear. For children the surgery should be
performed under general anesthesia and for adults,
light sedation is combined with a local anesthetic.
